Mission Deferments

Serving a full-time mission is an important decision in the life of any Latter-day Saint. We want to help you prepare to embark on your mission knowing that you can easily transition back to BYU when you return. To keep track of everything you need to do to defer for your mission, please visit the OneStop Missionary Checklist.

Review the terms and conditions of the mission deferment listed below:

Deferment Conditions

BYU students who want to defer their enrollment while serving an LDS mission must complete the online missionary deferment. To defer both enrollment and scholarships without having to reapply, you will need to:

Be admitted as a degree-seeking student

Return to BYU for the semester/term indicated on your deferment

Have a current ecclesiastical endorsement

Please note: students cannot defer while on academic suspension or dismissal.

Timing:

Timing is an essential part of the deferment process. Understanding this timing will help you and the university plan for your return.

In order to defer, you must first be admitted to BYU. We encourage students who are intending to serve LDS missions to apply before serving a mission, and defer if admitted. The deferment is for LDS missionary service only.

The deferment must be submitted after receiving a call, but before the end of the semester in which you would normally enroll. This applies to all students, both newly admitted and those that have continuing status.

Those admitted for spring and summer terms will have until the end of fall semester to submit their deferment.

If you plan to enroll for a semester or term prior to leaving on your mission, you must register for classes before submitting the deferment. Once the deferment is submitted your ability to register for classes is blocked.

Continuing students may take a leave of absence directly before deferring. You may not take a leave of absence during the first semester you are admitted, nor will you be allowed to take a leave of absence during the first semester returning from your mission.

You must enroll at BYU within a certain amount of time after you return from your mission. Use the following chart to determine what semester or term is the latest possible time to return when your mission is complete. If you do not return within this timeframe, it will be necessary to re-apply.

Return from Mission

Enroll no later than

October - April

Fall Semester

May - September

Winter Semester

If you return from your mission earlier than originally anticipated, please make an appointment to meet with an admission counselor regarding your plans. To make an appointment simply contact OneStop Student Services at 801-422-4104. Appointments can be either in person or over the phone. We will do our best to accommodate your return to school in a timely manner, considering enrollment limitations.

International Student Missionary Deferment

International Services, 1351 WSC, (801) 422-2695

All missionary deferment guidelines also pertain to international students; however, if you are an international student who plans to serve a mission, you should check with International Student Services regarding special concerns or needed actions specific to some countries.

Advisement

Prior to leaving on your mission, you should determine which courses to register for when you return. You may want to meet with an advisor in your college advisement center for help in determining an appropriate schedule.

Important Registration Information

You can contact Records and Registration at B-150 ASB, (801)-422-2631, or records@byu.edu. The class schedules and catalogs help you explore majors, courses, and important policy information.

Account Guest Access

BYU must follow federal privacy laws which prevent the release of information to unauthorized third parties (for example, unauthorized parents or guardians). You may authorize a third party to have access to your academic information for registration through guestaccess.byu.edu. The authorized third party will need to have their own Net ID and password in order for you to add them as a guest. For step-by-step instructions, parents can access the Parent of a Missionary Checklist.

BYU Student Health Plan

2310 SHC, (801) 422-2661 or (801) 422-4460

If you are currently on the student health plan, you must notify the Health Plan Business Office before you leave BYU. You are not eligible for the health plan while you are on your mission. For more information on health plan requirements or obtaining a health plan when you return, please visit heath.byu.edu.

Ecclesiastical Endorsements

A-209 ASB, (801) 422-5000

Before returning to BYU, you will need to have a current ecclesiastical endorsement from your mission president. Sometime in the last few months of your mission, you will need to initiate an endorsement request at endorsement.byu.edu and make an appointment with your mission president to have the endorsement interview. Once that is complete, you should be able to register for classes on your designated registration date.

International Missions

A tuberculosis (TB) test is required for anyone who serves a mission outside the United States. A student can set up an appointment to have the TB test by calling the Student Health Center at (801) 422-2771. A small fee is charged for the test. The county health department can also administer the test for a minimal fee. If the test is taken at the Utah County Health Department, you will need to fax appropriate documentation to BYU Medical Records at (801) 422-0761.

Although you will be allowed to register for the first semester following your mission, all subsequent registrations will be blocked until documentation of the TB test is received by BYU.